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Published on: November 19, 2011
Autoradiographic and electron microscopic studies of retinal rosettes in genetically microphthalmic mice
H Hilbig1, E Winkelmann, S Kopischke
1Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Department of Neuroanatomy, Leipzig University, Germany.
Abstract:
We report results obtained in the microphthalmic strain of mice 944. Heterozygotes appear normal, but they produce litters in which typically between 2 and 5 offspring exhibit microphthalmia and rosettes in the retina and the optic nerve. As a result these animals are blind. Our investigations using 3H-thymidine for autoradiographic estimation of postnatal cell proliferation and electron microscopy for detailed observation of the morphology of the rosettes show an increased proliferation of neuronal cells (more than 200%), especially in rosettes. In the rosettes a centrally located lumen exists in which cytoplasmatic processes can be found. In ultrastructural investigations these processes were identified as residues of the outer segments of photoreceptor cells.
Insights
Microphthalmia in mice strain 944 causes blindness due to retinal rosettes. Investigations reveal over 200% increased neuronal cell proliferation in these structures, impacting vision development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Microphthalmia is a congenital condition affecting eye development.
- The 944 mouse strain exhibits a hereditary form of microphthalmia.
- Affected offspring display severe visual impairment due to retinal abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular and morphological basis of microphthalmia in the 944 mouse strain.
- To analyze the proliferation rates of neuronal cells in affected retinas.
- To characterize the structure of retinal rosettes and their cellular components.
Main Methods:
- Autoradiography using 3H-thymidine to assess postnatal cell proliferation.
- Electron microscopy for detailed ultrastructural analysis of retinal tissues.
- Examination of retinal and optic nerve morphology in affected mice.
Main Results:
- Heterozygous mice appear phenotypically normal but produce affected offspring.
- Microphthalmic offspring exhibit retinal rosettes and optic nerve abnormalities, leading to blindness.
- A significant increase (over 200%) in neuronal cell proliferation was observed, particularly within the rosettes.
- Ultrastructural analysis identified cytoplasmic processes within rosette lumens as photoreceptor outer segment residues.
Conclusions:
- The 944 mouse strain provides a model for studying microphthalmia and associated retinal pathologies.
- Abnormal proliferation of neuronal cells and photoreceptor cell remnants contribute to the observed microphthalmia.
- Further research into the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying these findings is warranted.
